#ExtremeReading project highlights importance of reading

A Kings Lynn primary school, the Gaywood Community Primary School, has introduced an initiative to encourage students and parents to read more.

The idea is the brainchild of assistant teacher Andy Bazeley-Smith, and has so far been very successful. Students and parents are asked to share photos of themselves in an unusual place or setting, reading a book. The school has received a flood of photos, not just from pupils but also teachers and other people not connected to the school, sparking a renewed interest and love of reading throughout the community.

Paul Shanks, head teacher at the school said:

“Reading is so important. The reason we are pushing this so much is because reading is one of the most important skills you can have. If you can’t read, then that affects other skills such as mathematics, computing, coding, and more. It’s the building block for all learning.”

Some of the more unusual places so far include in the dentist chair, the back of an ambulance, at a Norwich City FC football game, the Dogs Trust facility at Snetterton and sitting in some medieval stocks.

The project is due to run until the middle of April and is open for anyone to submit their photos either digitally or through full colour printing. It is hoped the project will help promote reading at home for pleasure.